The Bitter Pill is a side quest that puts you on the trail of a traitor inside the Governor's inner circle. You unlock it by speaking with Doctor Galen after completing the main story quest 'I Need a Bigger Boat' and selecting the dialogue option "Is something troubling you, Doctor?" The recommended character level is 9, though you can attempt it earlier if you're comfortable with a tough fight. The quest runs parallel to the 'Revenge is Best Served Cold' main story quest for its opening section, so tackling both at the same time is efficient.
Full quest objective list
Before diving into each step, here's the complete sequence so you know what's coming:
Start the quest with Galen
How to infiltrate Richards' Camp
This first step is shared with the 'Revenge is Best Served Cold' main quest. You need to collect four Black Marks hidden in chests throughout the Coastal Jungle before you can enter Richards' Camp. Follow the quest markers to each chest location. On the sail over, expect to encounter Blackbeard Gunboats blocking your path.
Once you have all four Black Marks, sail southwest to Richards' Camp. At the Hideout Entrance, interact with the door and choose "Show Black Marks" to gain entry.
warning
As soon as you open the doors inside the camp, you'll trigger a boss fight with Thomas Richards. Make sure your gear and consumables are in order before pushing through that door.
Use Black Marks to enter
How to search Richards' Camp and find the letter
After defeating Thomas Richards, search the chests in the room beyond him. You're looking for Francois Arnaud's Letter, which is addressed directly to Blackbeard. This letter is the first concrete evidence pointing to the traitor. Pick it up and fast-travel back to Doctor Galen to discuss what you've found.
Galen is shaken by the implications but wants harder proof before making any accusations. That means tracking down the gunpowder crates mentioned in the letter.
Where to find the gunpowder crates
Head to the Blackbeard Ruins Excavation Site, located further southwest of Richards' Camp. Navigate to the northwest end of the ruins. The Gunpowder Crates are tucked into a corner next to a steel cage. The crates bear the Arnaud Trading Company's insignia, which is the solid confirmation Galen needs.
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The Blackbeard Ruins Excavation Site also contains three ancient chests separate from the gunpowder crates. Worth looting while you're there.
Fast-travel back to Galen and report your findings. He'll ask you to travel to Tortuga and confront Francois directly.
How to find Francois Arnaud on Tortuga
Sail to Tortuga, which sits southeast of the Blackbeard Ruins Excavation Site. When you arrive at the port, turn right at the first intersection. Francois Arnaud is standing there, and the confrontation unlocks the real story: his son Jacques has been captured by Edward Teach (Blackbeard), who is using the boy as leverage to force Francois into cooperation.
Francois will cooperate with you only if you rescue Jacques. Set sail from Tortuga to find the Grim Reaper, the pirate ship holding Jacques, which is positioned near the town with two Blackbeard Raider escort ships flanking it.
How to board the Grim Reaper and rescue Jacques Arnaud
Bring the Grim Reaper down to low health in naval combat, then board the ship. Head down to the lower deck to find Jacques Arnaud.
Here's the twist: Jacques reveals he staged his own kidnapping to earn Blackbeard's favor. His plan was to destroy his father's reputation, and your arrival disrupted it. After the conversation, Jacques succumbs to his wounds.
danger
You cannot save Jacques. The outcome of this encounter is fixed regardless of your choices during the conversation.
What happens when you tell Francois about his son?
Return to Tortuga and speak with Francois Arnaud. You have two dialogue options here: tell him his son died in captivity, or reveal the full truth about Jacques' betrayal and how he died. According to the sources, neither choice changes the quest's conclusion or its rewards.
Confront Francois at the port
Quest rewards: what do you get for completing The Bitter Pill?
After telling Francois the news, head into the tavern directly opposite him to speak with Doctor Galen one final time. Completing the quest earns:
- 100 XP
- Decoration: Books and Scrolls III
- 300 Silver Coins
- 15 Gold Coins
The XP and currency make this one of the more worthwhile side quests to complete alongside the main story, particularly at level 9 when the rewards are most impactful for progression.
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The quest also delivers some of the game's better narrative beats. The revelation that Jacques orchestrated his own captivity reframes Francois' entire arc and gives Doctor Galen's reaction more weight in hindsight.
For more Windrose quest walkthroughs and tips, browse the latest guides at GAMES.GG.